INTERLUDE - Goals

Chase couldn’t stop himself from repeatedly tapping his foot against the ground as the ranger explained the ins and outs of Eterna forest. He groaned and pulled his cap over his eyes. When the teenager had arrived at the outpost, he had originally wanted to go straight into the forest after a one hour lunch break, but lo and behold, the rangers implemented a damn course, and now he was being treated like he was in kindergarten. Chase didn’t need a damn class to make it through the damn forest, but he had no choice but to suffer through it to get that damn ticket.

Not that he was listening anyway. Right now, he was thinking about how he’d reorganize his workouts in the forest. It’d probably be smart to lower the intensity a little so he could save his energy in case anything happened. It was frustrating to think about, but Chase wasn’t stupid. He knew how far his workouts pushed him and his team, and he wasn’t about to make them take a risk if he didn’t need to. Especially not Ri.

“I think you should listen, kid,” Someone whispered next to him.

Chase considered getting up right then and there, but then he’d be kicked out, and he’d have to sit in a class all over again. He glanced at the clock above the projected screen. There was only one hour and twenty-two minutes left, and then he’d be out of here.

“Seriously,” The man said again. “I’m saying this to help.”

“What the fuck do you want?” Chase snapped, turning toward the man. A few heads turned toward him, but the Ranger hadn’t heard. He looked to be in his early twenties and had a patchy beard.

The man sighed. “Look, I don’t like it either,” He muttered under his breath. “I’ve been through this forest four times, but you don’t see me not paying attention. I’ve learned things I didn’t even know before.”

“You’re talking to me, not paying attention,” Chase replied. “I don’t care about your story, fuck off.”

That seemed to have convinced him to leave him alone. Chase smiled and retreated into his thoughts once more. The trainer was a bit tight on money, even after battling and crushing as many trainers as he could. He lamented missing that Floaroma tournament. That would have given him a big boost, but oh well, what was done was done. Chase had no doubt he’d be able to power through the forest with Riolu. Time passed slowly, but finally, the class was over.

“Time’s up!” The ranger said. “I’ve got your tickets here, make sure to grab one before exiting the class.” She continued.

Chase hopped out of his chair and grinned as he lazily picked up his ticket. He readjusted his cap and strode out of the Ranger building, going straight toward the entrance of the forest. Suddenly though, he felt a hand on his shoulder. His eyes bulged, and he immediately swatted it away before getting into a sparring position. Chase felt his throat clog up before realizing he wasn’t home. There was no need to be on edge. This was a long way from the Iron Islands.

“I thought I told you to fuck off,” Chase said before putting his hands in his pocket. The same man who had talked to him in class stared at him with a smile. Chase didn’t like that smile. It exuded pity, and no one had the right to pity him. “Why’re you looking at me like that? Think you’re funny?”

The man raised his hands. “Listen, I just want to warn you. I’ve seen plenty of kids like you come and go, and it usually doesn’t end well.”

“I’m not a usual trainer,” Chase said. “Don’t you know who I am?”

Chase’s popularity on the forums and throughout Sinnoh had exploded since he busted in the power plant at Valley Windworks and took on team Galactic. Hell, he’d even given some interviews a few times. He reckoned that he was more popular than Cecilia Obel now, although she had also gotten another bump due to her being one of the hostages.

“Chase Karlson, right?” He smiled. “I’m Scott Montante. Pleasure to meet you.”

“Are we done? Do you want to battle or something? An autograph?” Chase asked.

“No, I just want to save you from killing yourself, kid,” Scott said. “Why don’t we head to the Center and talk? I got someone else waiting for me.”

“No,” Chase shook his head and started walking away.

“I’ve read about you, you know?” Scott said. “I’ve seen a video of your scuffle with Cecilia Obel in Oreburgh. Seemed like some shitty teen drama to me, but still. I’ve met a few kids from her group, and from what I’ve seen, they’re doing much better than you.”

Chase’s eye twitched. “Easy to do good when her dad pays for everything,” Chase confidently said. “I’m better than her. I’ve got more talent and dedication. Is she here right now?”

“Sure,” Scott smiled. “Come with me to the Center, and I’ll help you find her. You wanted to battle, right?”

“Well, if you put it that way, fine.”

——

Chase watched as Scott sat next to a girl at one of the tables in the Pokemon Center’s lobby. He frowned.

“Where’s Obel? That’s not her,” He said.

“Obel?” The girl said. Chase could feel a certain amount of disdain from the way she spoke. “Why would you think I was her?” She turned to Scott.

“What have you been telling this guy?”

“Sorry kid, I tricked ya,” Scott said. “Sit.”

“What the hell—”

“Sit,” Scott said more forcefully this time. Chase considered just storming out, but at this point, he was too interested in what this guy had to say. Maybe he still knew where Obel was. Chase dragged the chair and sat down. “Good!” Scott continued. “Now, let me introduce you kids. This is Maeve Chang,” He said, pointing at the girl. “This is Chase Karlson.”

“That’s Chase Karlson?” She said. “You look different than in the pictures and videos.”

“I think you’ve just got a fucked up sense of sight,” Chase snarked. “You should get that checked out.”

“Stop bickering,” Scott groaned. “Now, you two got a lot in common. You both hate Obel. Well, in Maeve’s case, she more specifically hates Louis Bianchi, but the principle still applies. And just like you, Chase, this girl was about to storm into the Arceus damned forest alone.”

“So?” She said. “I’m kind of bad with people, so I just didn’t want to bother. I thought I could handle it.”

Chase felt the corner of his lips rise. He liked the confidence.

“No, you can’t. Something’s going on in the forest this year,” Scott said grimly. “The Rangers theorize that there are too many trainers trying to get through, and that’s making the wild Pokemon more agitated than usual. This is you guys’ first year, so you wouldn’t know, but I’d say that there are at least… thirty to forty percent more people than usual signing up for the Circuit.”

“Why?” Maeve asked.

“I don’t know, but either way, the forest is deadly, and I unfortunately don’t want two dead kids on my conscience, so I want you to join up with me.”

“Absolutely not,” Chase said. “If you want to play guardian angel, you can pick up someone else and go in with them.”

“I mean, I might be willing to accept that,” Maeve replied after a few seconds. “But only if I get access to your items.”

“Alright, Maeve, you’re in,” Scott smiled. “And Chase, you two are the only people I’ve come across that were thinking about going through Eterna alone. The only ones. The others are at least smart about forming a group, so I’m focusing on you.”

Chase mused. “Find me Obel, and I’ll consider it.”

The man groaned. “She left yesterday. You arrived too late.”

“Then I’m out—”

“Wait. I know my way through the forest. Like I’ve said, I’ve been through it four times. You didn’t even listen to the course, do you know what way to head toward?” Scott asked.

“Pretty sure the Ranger said north.”

“Northeast, you moron,” Maeve said, waving her hand.

Chase was about to retort, but Scott interjected. “Look, what I’m saying is that if you want, I can lead you to the other end, and we’ll probably be fast enough to meet her at the outpost on the other side of the forest. The advantage of being a group of three is that we’ll be quick on our feet.”

The teen thought about the man’s offer. What was his goal? To be perfect. And to be perfect, he needed to become the Champion. Obel stood in the way of that. Sure, he had gained in popularity, and he had intensified his training since that… humiliating near loss to Roark, but he wanted to crush her. To prove that he was better once and for all.

You’ll beat me, and then what? What will your goal be beyond that victory?

Cynthia’s words cut through his train of thought, causing Chase to grind his teeth. In many showers or long nights, he had fantasized about what he would answer to that question if he was given to chance again, however unlikely that was. Meeting the Champion was unlikely, and even though he knew himself to be special, he was under no delusion that Cynthia paid any attention to him. Still, he had no answer to that question. But why did he even need one? Plenty of trainers were only driven by their goal to obtain the position of Champion, and he went a step beyond that.

He relaxed with a sigh. Perfection was the goal. He couldn’t hold Riolu back.

“Alright. I’m in if we leave immediately.”

Scott smiled. “Sounds good, let’s get started!”

——

The forest was more oppressive than Chase had thought. Even after the first day, the constant attacks were one thing, but the darkness reminded him too much of the mines back home. He hated traveling through caves for that reason, and the forest was having a similar effect on him. Riolu placed a paw on his leg as they sat by the fire Maeve’s Monferno had lit, and he looked at Chase with worry.

“I’m fine, Ri,” Chase softly said. “Don’t worry about me.”

“Rio!”

Scott was lying on some tarp he had laid on the forest floor, and Maeve was sitting dangerously close to the fire. She hated the cold. Scott’s Kricketune— who he called Lute— laid back against a tree as he finished playing another one of his songs. It was certainly a unique Pokemon to use, but the teen had to admit the music was soothing.

“Damn, I’ve never heard that one before. That was great, Lute. I know you like playing for an audience, but you shouldn’t have hidden it from me.”

“T—thanks, Lute,” Maeve trembled. Her Monferno hugged her back and let his warmth spread to her. “Thank you, Monferno. Watch the tail, though.”

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Kricketune let out a smooth, beautiful cry that it combined with its violin bow-like arms to create a melody. Every Arceus damned noise that came out of that Pokemon’s mouth was a blessing.

“Was Lute your first Pokemon?” Maeve asked. “You don’t often see trainers use them.”

“He was, and I’m damn proud of him,” Scott smiled as his friend started playing another song. “He’s taken me far, but I also have a Granbull, a Magneton, a Quagsire, and a Carkol.”

Even Chase’s eyes widened at that. Scott looked to be a hell of a trainer. It pissed him off.

“Come on, don’t look at me like that,” He said. “I’ve been at this for years. You’ll catch up in no time,” He said. “I’m not that great. The best I’ve reached was four badges, and that was last year.”

Chase felt the urge to go out and train, but it wouldn’t be wise in the forest. Plus, he was sure he would catch up soon enough. Like Scott had said, he had been at it for years.

“Any tips for new trainers like us?” Maeve asked.

“Well, I’m not great, but I’d say try to catch a team of six as soon as you can. I’ve been trying to look for my sixth member, but the amount of training I’d have to do to bring it up to par with the rest of the team seems exhausting. Maeve, you’ve got four Pokemon, you said?”

“Yeah. Monferno, Staryu, Staravia and Skorupi.”

“Good. Well balanced, too,” Scott nodded before chuckling. “You’ve got a thing for the letter S, though.”

“You’re like the fiftieth person to make that joke. Stop.”

“Alright, alright, sorry,” Scott said, waving his hand. “What about you, Chase?”

“Hmph. Riolu, Charjabug and Houndour.”

“Great. You guys are on the right track. It’s always good to have three members before the second gym.”

“Why?” Maeve asked.

“Because after your first badge, every gym leader expects you to have at least three Pokemon. If you have less, tough luck. You’re fighting a two versus three, or a one versus three.”

“I could handle that with Ri,” Chase grinned. “We’ve trained hard after Oreburgh. I think I’ll wipe the floor with Gardenia.”

The conversation continued for another hour, accompanied by the warm crackling of the fire and Lute’s songs.

——

Chase, Scott, and Maeve were all crouched behind a fallen log, observing a Pinsir quietly feed on some Seedot that it had knocked off a tree with its powerful pincers. Chase almost shot up, starving at the opportunity to challenge himself by fighting the Pokemon, but Scott held him back by pulling on his shirt.

“What the he—”

Scott placed his hand over his mouth. Chase tried to punch and kick his way out, but even though he was slowly making progress, Scott was a twenty-one year old man. There was no getting out of this.

Riolu was looking, Chase thought as a pit full of dread formed in his stomach. A few minutes later, Pinsir left, and Scott finally let him go. Riolu was looking carefully with his arms crossed.

“What the fuck is your problem?” Chase yelled.

“Quiet, or it’ll come back,” Maeve hissed.

“You were stupid for trying to challenge a Pokemon way out of your league,” Scott said. “That Pinsir’s bad news. I thought it never came around here.”

“I don’t give a fuck,” Chase said. “Never do that again.”

Scott sighed. “Alright, I’m sorry. But hear me out. That Pinsir belonged to a trainer who died here— I don’t remember his name. But he’s wild again, and he’s tough. I could probably take him on because he looked wounded, but I didn’t want to risk it.”

Chase wiped the dirt and leaves from his clothes. “Fine, but you do that again and I’m out,” He said, clicking his tongue. He wanted to scream. To get in his face and fight, but Riolu was already disappointed as it was.

“So you’ve seen that Pinsir before?” Maeve asked. "If it belonged to someone, why is it dangerous? Shouldn't it be friendly?"

“Yes, but way deeper in the forest. I reckon it’s the most powerful Pokemon in this Arceus damned forest. I wonder what kind of crazy motherfuckers fought him. I hope they didn’t die,” Scott sighed. “I’ll have to tell the rangers about this when we get to the other side.”

“Alright,” Maeve breathed out. “Let’s keep going.”

——

Another two days had passed, and they were making good ground. Truth be told, Scott was right when he told Chase he knew what he was doing. He knew how to avoid the most dangerous Pokemon using prints, cries, and markings on trees. It was impressive, to say the least. Obviously though, Chase was catching on quickly, as always.

“See that on the ground?” Scott said before turning to the two teenagers. “Guess what Pokemon that is.”

Chase crouched and observed the shape of the print. “That’s a Shroomish,” He said right away. “Those are perfect circles.”

“Correct,” Scott smiled. “Maeve, try to be faster next time.”

“It was on the tip of the tongue,” She complained. “Come on!”

Scott frowned before raising a finger. “Feel that temperature drop?” He asked.

Maeve held out her hands. “Yeah?”

“Ghost incoming,” He warned.

They all got in position and got ready to fight. Chase quickly released Houndour, and Maeve released Staravia. Scott left his Kricketune out. A series of eerie screams resonated through the forest, and Scott relaxed.

“We’re good,” He said. “Stand down.”

The two trainers acquiesced and watched as five Phantump floated through the forest as if they were being gently carried by the wind. Each one carried a unique mask made out of wood. Chase couldn’t help but feel uneasy when staring into their red eyes. A few minutes later, they were gone without having attacked.

“Why aren’t they aggressive?” Maeve asked. “Ghosts usually are.”

“Not Phantump,” Scott said with his eyes downcast. “They’re… the spirit of kids that died in the forest. They never attack other trainers unless they’re attacked first.”

Chase scratched his neck uncomfortably. “Let’s keep going. No time to waste.”

The words felt hollow when they came out.

——

The very next day, a Pokemon caught Chase’s eye. A Zangoose was dashing in between trees and clawing at them with a move that seemed to be Slash. It was doing so with a level of dexterity that rivaled Riolu’s, and it kept alternating between running on all fours and on its hind legs. Scott wanted the group to avoid it, but Chase felt something inside of him. The same thing he had felt when he had caught Houndour and Charjabug. An unexplainable feeling that tugged at his heart, screaming at him, ordering him to catch the Pokemon in front of his eyes.

“Why is it taking so long,” Maeve whispered.

“Zangoose’s claws grow forever, so it often needs to use them on something before they get too long. I guess this one figured out a way to train while doing so. Talk about taking out two birds with one stone,” Scott answered.

Chase smirked. Zangoose had the drive to be on his team. A dedication to the craft of training. “I’m catching it,” He simply said. “Stand back.”

“What?” Scott shook his head. “If you want to catch it, fine, but let us help you.”

“Have some Arceus damned respect,” Chase said. “I could never ambush this Zangoose. Ready Riolu?”

“Ri!”

He stepped out of his hiding spot and announced himself. “Zangoose!”

The normal type immediately stood on his hind legs and hissed as the hair on its back stood up.

“You are like me. You work to perfect yourself through training, slowly but surely,” Chase smiled. Zangoose was still ready to fight, but it was listening. “Riolu and I challenge you to a fight. Both of us, so don’t hesitate to come after me,”

“Are you crazy—” Scott yelled.

“Goose!”

“Ah, you'll have to excuse them. Those are my traveling companions. We’re helping each other get through the forest, but they won’t join the battle. If I win, I want you to join my team,” Chase continued with a wild grin.

Zangoose hesitated, but it nodded after some deliberation.

“On the count of three,” Chase started. “One, two, three,”

Zangoose rushed forward with a blur, but Chase could see it. Now it was about his body not falling behind. He ducked as Zangoose raked its claws where his neck had just been.

“Riolu, on me! Force Palm!” Chase ordered.

His Pokemon blurred with Quick Attack and jumped on Chase’s back, using his trainer to propel himself to hit the Zangoose with Force Palm at incredible speeds. The normal type clawed back, but Riolu was already back at Chase’s side.

Zangoose hissed and raked its claws together before dashing toward Chase once again. Riolu jumped and hit it away with Bone Rush, but Zangoose blocked with its arm and Slashed Riolu away. Chase scrambled and grabbed his backpack, moving it to the front to block the attack, but he was still knocked away by the sheer force. Riolu barked, and his palms glowed once more as he shone with Quick Attack.

The normal type hissed before clawing at Riolu, but he quickly stepped back with a feint and stepped in after Zangoose’s Slash, hitting it right in the abdomen over and over.

“Wait!” Chase ordered. Riolu stopped his onslaught. “I’m giving you a chance to surrender and come with me.”

Zangoose hissed and jumped at Riolu.

“Circle Throw!” Chase said.

The fighting type awkwardly pushed Zangoose’s right leg away before grabbing its arm and lifting it over his body, and ramming its face straight into a tree.

“Force Palm,” He calmly said.

Before Zangoose could even recover, he came under assault from Riolu’s Force Palm. It was hit over and over, and it tried to claw back, but it was too weak now. Too slow.

Chase grabbed one of the Pokeballs that had fallen from his now torn-up backpack. “We defeated you,” He told Zangoose. “It was a good fight. I… I tasted defeat back home, but I left and vowed never to lose again. Join me.”

Zangoose let out a trembling nod. Chase touched it with his Pokeball and smiled.

——

Zangoose, the cat ferret Pokemon. Memories of battling its archrival Seviper are etched into every cell of Zangoose’s body. This Pokémon adroitly dodges attacks with incredible agility. When it battles, it stands on its hind legs and attacks with its sharply clawed forelegs.

Moves: Quick Attack, Slash, Hone Claws, Fury Swipes, Scratch, Leer, Fury Cutter (click for more information)

Ability: Toxic Boost (click for more information)

Chase grinned. “You’ve got a lot of moves, and an outstanding ability,” He said. He immediately started imagining scenarios where he poisoned his Zangoose with Houndoor’s Smog before a big battle.

Zangoose hissed and bowed her head. It seemed like she had gained a great deal of respect for him thanks to their battle.

“She looks angry all the time,” Maeve said as she nestled closer to the fire.

“I still can’t believe you asked her to come after you,” Scott said. “You’ve got a death wish.”

“Why would I make my Pokemon fight if I never join in? That’s how you gain their respect and show that you're worth a damn,” Chase said.

“That’s some unhealthy mindset,” Scott said. “But congrats on the new member, I guess.”

“I don’t need congratulations. If I couldn't catch her, I wouldn’t deserve to be a trainer.”

——

Another two days passed, and according to Scott, they were close to the exit. Even though the trip through Eterna forest had been relatively easy, Chase was glad it’d be over soon.

It was exhausting and reminiscent of home.

“Well, I think this is going to be my last time going through this damned forest,” Scott chuckled as he lazily chewed on some canned beans.

“Why? You retiring after this year?” Maeve asked curiously.

“Yeah,” He replied. “I’m going to try to become a Ranger.”

Chase’s eyes widened. “Why? Why settle for such a mediocre goal?” He asked dryly.

Scott frowned. “Don’t call it mediocre. It’s been my dream since I was a kid,” He said, raising his tone slightly.

“Then why’d you try to Circuit so many times,” Maeve asked. “If you don’t mind me asking?”

“To get better as a trainer,” Scott said. “It was never about becoming the Champion for me, I just wanted to get experience. I’ve always wanted to use my skills to help others, and I feel like I’m good enough to join next year.”

“Wow…” Maeve said.

“I don’t get it,” Chase scoffed. “I really don’t. I’ve seen you battle. You’re good. Better than you act. You could easily get more than four badges if you pushed yourself harder. You could try to reach the top—”

“Stop it, Chase,” He growled. “Stop. I know you’ve got issues, but don’t project them onto me.”

Chase shook his head and blinked. It was as if he had been slapped. “The fuck do you mean?”

“I said what I said,” Scott added. “Good night.”

He turned away from the teenager. Chase tapped his foot against the soft ground repeatedly. He didn’t have issues. It wasn’t his fault people seemed content with mediocrity in their lives. It just baffled him to see someone with the potential to reach the Conference just… give up. And for what? To become some shitty ranger?

“Well, this is awkward,” Maeve said, clapping her hands. “I’m just going to sleep too. Nighty night.”

Chase huffed. They were all blind. Every last one of them, and he would prove them all wrong. All of them.

——

When they reached the outpost on the other side of Eterna forest, the group immediately split. There weren’t really any hard feelings. They knew that their group had been just a temporary arrangement. Scott got his wish and got them through the forest, and he left for the ranger building to warn them about the Pinsir. Maeve was more of a solitary trainer, as he was, and she quickly left for the Center, since she wanted to get to Eterna as fast as possible.

The sun felt gentle on his skin, unlike the harsh weather of the Iron Islands. Chase walked to a secluded area of the outpost and released his team. Charjabug screeched happily since he hadn’t released it during the entirety of the forest trip except once to keep watch at night. Riolu, Zangoose, and Houndour were tired and had suffered some wounds due to fights with wild Pokemon.

Perfect.

“We’re all tired right now,” Chase grinned. “Let’s work out and push ourselves to the limit.”

He needed to catch up for all that slacking off he had done in Eterna forest first. Then, it was time to find Obel.